§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked the Chairman of Committees:
What is the procedure for selection for the post of legal adviser to the proposed Joint Select Committee on Human Rights. [HL1071]
§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Boston of Faversham)The procedure for selecting a legal adviser to the proposed Joint Select Committee is that normally followed in making appointments in the two Houses and accords with the principles of advertisement, fair and open competition, merit and equal opportunity which are enshrined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code. Following public advertisement, a shortlist of six candidates has been selected from the 53 applications received. An appointments board of five members (two senior officers from each House and an external assessor) will meet on 2 and 3 March to interview candidates and recommend to the Clerk of the Parliaments who should be appointed.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked the Chairman of Committees:
Who was responsible for approving the terms of the public advertisement and the procedure for selection for the post of legal adviser to the proposed Joint Select Committee on Human Rights; and [HL1070]
Whether the terms of the public advertisement and the procedure for the post of legal adviser to the proposed Joint Select Committee on Human Rights have been approved by the House of Lords. [HL1082]
§ The Chairman of CommitteesBoth the terms of the advertisement and the procedure for selection were approved by the Clerk of the Parliaments who, as Corporate Officer, is the employer of all House of Lords staff. The terms of the advertisement were based on a statement by the President of the Council in the House of Commons on 14 December 1998. The post of legal adviser was authorised by the Finance and Staff Sub-Committee on 13 July 1999.